| Food | * * * 1/2 |
| Service | * * 1/2 |
| Ambience | * * * |
| Value | 5.0 |
| Cost | $ $ $ |
Despite its location at one of the entrances to Arden Fair Mall, the California Cafe remains a classy dining establishment. Starting out with our requisite Coke, we noted that they also have an extensive wine list. Unfortunately, the server brought us the wrong drinks, which brought additional delay, as we did not order our food until after the correct drinks came. We were, however, able to enjoy some French bread, which we dipped into table olive oil. [Under construction]
The tables were small and intimate, but comfortable. There is a bit of in-restaurant kitchen area, where a portion of, but certainly not a majority of the cooking is done. There is also a long bar, with the paradoxical appearance of well-dressed couples sipping wine engaged in small talk, and enraptured by the Raiders game blaring on the TVs at either end of the bar. The bar is the centerpiece of the restaurant. There were probably more people sitting at the bar, than all of the tables combined. We wondered if this was the majority of the business...do they emphasize the bar or the food?
California Cafe's food is excellent - though my dish was a little on the wet side. In fact, my take-home container, although hard plastic, still managed to leak through the paper bag I carried it away in. The portions were substantial, but still a little on the expensive side. California Cafe almost qualifies as a romantic date, but for the location and the noisiness.